Car Accident Attorney in Hernando County

When a car accident disrupts your life in Hernando County, you need legal advocates who understand both Florida’s complex auto accident laws and the unique driving challenges facing our rapidly growing Nature Coast community. At Lowman Law Firm, our Hernando County car accident attorney has spent over two decades helping collision victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the aftermath of serious crashes with skill and compassion.

Operating from our conveniently located Brooksville office at 31 S Main St and our Spring Hill office at 11029 Spring Hill Dr, we serve accident victims throughout Hernando County. With Florida experiencing over 331,000 car crashes in 2024 resulting in 214,197 injuries, and Hernando County’s population growing by over 25,000 residents since 2013, having local legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hernando County

Hernando County’s rapid growth and unique characteristics create specific risks for drivers that our attorney encounters regularly. The combination of new construction, seasonal tourist traffic, diverse population demographics, and major transportation corridors creates a complex driving environment where accidents can occur without warning.

High-Speed Highway Collisions

US-19, one of Florida’s most dangerous highways according to safety studies, runs directly through Hernando County, creating opportunities for serious accidents. The highway’s high speed limits, multiple access points, and heavy commercial traffic make it a frequent location for devastating crashes. Our attorney regularly handles cases involving rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and multi-vehicle accidents along this major corridor.

Rural Road and State Route Hazards

State Road 50 (Cortez Boulevard) serves as a major east-west connector through Hernando County, linking Spring Hill to Brooksville and beyond. The varying speed limits, multiple intersections, and mix of local and through traffic create frequent accident opportunities. Many of the county’s rural roads feature limited lighting, narrow shoulders, and wildlife crossings where accidents involving deer and other animals are common.

Rapid Development and Construction Zone Accidents

Hernando County’s explosive population growth means constant road construction, new subdivisions, and changing traffic patterns. Spring Hill, Brooksville, and other developing areas see frequent accidents caused by unfamiliar road layouts, construction zone hazards, and GPS systems that haven’t updated to reflect new roads.

Tourist and Seasonal Driver Issues

Hernando County attracts thousands of visitors to its parks, springs, and recreational areas. Unfamiliar drivers often cause accidents by making sudden turns, driving below speed limits, or becoming confused at intersections. These situations frequently lead to rear-end collisions and intersection accidents throughout the county.

Aging Population and Medical Emergency Accidents

Hernando County has a significant population of older residents who may have age-related vision and reaction time issues or experience medical emergencies while driving that contribute to accidents.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Rear-End Collisions

The most common type of accident in Hernando County, rear-end collisions often occur in stop-and-go traffic along major routes like US-19 or State Road 50, or during rush hour near shopping centers. While these accidents may seem minor, they frequently cause serious neck and back injuries that require extensive treatment. Learn more about average settlements for back and neck injuries.

Head-On Collisions

Among the most dangerous accidents, head-on collisions on rural two-lane roads in Hernando County can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These crashes often involve impaired drivers, medical emergencies, or drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.

Side-Impact Crashes

T-bone accidents at intersections can cause severe injuries, particularly to passengers on the side of impact. These accidents frequently result from red light violations, failure to yield, or drivers who misjudge gaps in traffic at busy Hernando County intersections.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Rollover accidents, crashes into trees or fixed objects, and run-off-road incidents are common on Hernando County’s highways and rural roads. These accidents may involve mechanical failures, road defects, or driver impairment.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles can occur during heavy traffic periods on US-19 or in poor weather conditions. These complex cases often involve multiple insurance companies and require thorough investigation to determine fault. Learn more about who’s at fault in a 3-car pile up.

Understanding Florida’s Car Accident Laws

Florida operates under specific laws that directly impact your car accident case. Our Hernando County attorney helps clients navigate these complex regulations while protecting their rights to fair compensation.

No-Fault Insurance System

Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which provides immediate medical benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP benefits are limited to $10,000 and often insufficient for serious injuries. Understanding when you can pursue additional compensation beyond PIP requires skilled legal guidance. Learn about what your personal injury protection covers and what happens when PIP benefits are exhausted.

Comparative Negligence

Under Florida’s comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making skilled legal representation crucial for minimizing assigned blame and maximizing recovery. Learn more about how partial fault works in Florida for a car accident and understand what is comparative negligence.

Statute of Limitations

Since March 2023, Florida reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from four years to two years. This change means Hernando County residents must file their claims within two years of their accident date to preserve their right to compensation.

Serious Injury Threshold

To pursue compensation beyond PIP benefits, Florida law requires that you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by statute. This includes permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death. Our attorney helps clients understand whether their injuries meet this threshold.

Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims

Car accident victims in Hernando County may be entitled to comprehensive compensation for their losses, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work during recovery
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Future Medical Care: Ongoing treatment, therapy, and medical equipment
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income due to permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with family members

Immediate Steps After a Hernando County Car Accident

The actions you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these crucial steps to protect your rights:

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical attention if anyone is injured
3. Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, and the accident scene
4. Exchange Information: Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers
5. Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details from anyone who saw the accident
6. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not appear immediately
7. Contact Our Office: Call (352) 796-0016 or (352) 540-7777 before speaking with insurance companies

Learn more about 7 things to do immediately following an auto accident and avoid 10 mistakes people make following an auto accident. Understanding the most common causes of auto accidents can also help prevent future incidents.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in Hernando County can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening trauma. Understanding these injuries helps victims recognize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

The sudden jolting motion in car accidents frequently causes whiplash, straining muscles and ligaments in the neck. While often considered minor, whiplash can cause chronic pain and require months of treatment. Learn more about recognizing the early warning signs of whiplash and how to recover from whiplash.

Back and Spinal Injuries

Impact forces can damage vertebrae, discs, and the spinal cord itself. These injuries may result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or paralysis in severe cases. Learn about common leg injuries from car accidents.

Head and Brain Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur when the head strikes objects in the vehicle or from the rapid deceleration of impact. These injuries may have long-lasting cognitive and emotional effects.

Broken Bones

The force of collision can fracture ribs, arms, legs, and other bones. Complex fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding or organ dysfunction that may not be immediately apparent.

Working with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often contact accident victims within hours of crashes, seeking recorded statements or quick settlements. These companies are profit-driven businesses that aim to minimize payouts, making legal representation crucial for protecting your rights.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

• Quick Settlement Offers: Low initial offers before the full extent of injuries is known
• Recorded Statements: Attempts to get victims to say something that can be used against them later
• Claim Denials: Disputing liability or the extent of injuries to avoid payment
• Surveillance: Following accident victims to find evidence contradicting injury claims
• Medical Record Requests: Seeking extensive medical histories to find pre-existing conditions

How Our Attorney Protects You

Our Hernando County car accident attorney levels the playing field by handling all communications with insurance companies, conducting thorough investigations, and negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation. We prepare every case for trial, which often leads to better settlement offers. Learn about whether you should take a car accident settlement.

Proudly Serving All of Hernando County

Brooksville | Spring Hill | Spring Lake | Ridge Manor